L. Macungie Authority Wary Of Sewer Study

March 21, 1986|The Morning Call

The Lower Macungie Township Authority on Wednesday discussed a recent Lehigh County Authority suggestion that another countywide study be done of sewer systems.

The authority decided to send a letter to township supervisors essentially telling them that at this time they're not sure another study is needed - but if it is, it should be done by a truly independent engineer, not LCA or a firm that has worked closely with LCA.

The authority directed its solicitor, Edward McCardle, to write the letter. He was also asked to send an inquiry letter to LCA regarding a previous letter asking for information and recommendations regarding longstanding sewage problems in the Ancient Oak West area.

In another matter, Dennis Harman of the authority's engineering firm, G. Edwin Pidcock Co., provided the latest information on installing a pipe beneath the proposed Interstate 78 area at Route 309 and Hamilton Boulevard.

"We basically are looking at the feasibility of installing casing pipe beneath the proposed I-78, so if in the future we would want to put a sewer line in, the pipe would be there," he said after the meeting.

The authority agreed to send a letter to township supervisors saying it does not think it is economically feasible because the project would cost about $88,000 but that it is willing to hear from the supervisors if the board has new information.

Harman told the authority, "It is a lot to put into a line you're not even sure you're going to use." He said there is no technical reason the line could not be put later, up to the time of construction.

The authority also approved sewer agreements for Waterfall Crossing and Shepherd Hills Section 2 and 2A, and told George Pavlik it finds no problem with applying for a permit for him to cut across Lower Macungie Road to connect to the sewer system. Because Lower Macungie Road is a state road, the township must apply for the permit. Pavlik, however, must show a certificate of insurance from the contractor at the next meeting.